Share Tweet Pin Email By Isabella Torregiani 3:15pm PST, Feb 18, 2026 _ Mehcad Brooks is standing up for his late friend James Van Der Beek as the actor's family continues to face criticism over their $2.5 million GoFundMe.Keep reading for more on Brooks' response... MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more top news _ James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson's Creek, passed away at 48 on February 11 following a battle with colorectal cancer.